Work of the Holy Spirit

7/31/2019 Work of the Holy Spirit

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THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

(Your questions and comments are welcome)(Boldtypeand underlining of scripture text have been added for emphasis)

The Holy Spiritis the One who actively works to accomplish the will

of Godwith people. The Holy Spiritexercises the wisdom and power ofGodtoward, and on behalf of His people for personal salvation, and for

individual stewardship. He is referredto as the Spirit:of God, of Christ-

Ro. 8:9;of truth-Jon. 14:17; of life-Ro. 8:2; of adoption-Ro. 8:15; of promise-

Eph. 1:13; and of grace-Heb. 10:29.

This considerationwill focus on the work of the Holy Spirit in Gods

administration under the new covenant. However, it is important to

recognize that the Holy Spirit performed a significant role in Gods

administration in the Old Testament.

Some scriptures that evidence the Spirits function in the Old Testamentadministration are:2 Chronicles 151 And the Spirit of Godcame upon Azariah the son of Oded:

2 And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and

Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be

found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

2 Chronicles 2418

And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and

idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.19

Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified

against them: but they would not give ear.20 And the Spirit of Godcame upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which

stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the

commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken theLORD, he hath also forsaken you.

Exodus 311 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of

Judah:3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in

knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,4

To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,5 And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of

workmanship.6 And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of

Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make

all that I have commanded thee;

Judges 38 Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the

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hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served

Chushanrishathaim eight years.9 And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer

to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's

younger brother.10

And the Spirit of the LORDcame upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out towar: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand;

and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.11

And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.

Judges 145 Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the

vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him.6 And the Spirit of the LORDcame mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would

have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother

what he had done.

1 Samuel 116

And the Spirit of Godcame upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger waskindled greatly.

1 Samuel 1611

And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth

yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send

and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.12

And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful

countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.13

Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: andthe Spirit of the LORDcame upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and

went to Ramah.14

But the Spirit of the LORDdeparted from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD

troubled him.

2 Samuel 23

1 Now these be the last words of David, David the son of Jesse said, and the man whowasraised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel,

said,

2 The Spirit of the LORDspake by me, and his word wasin my tongue.3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must

be just, ruling in the fear of God.

2 Peter 120

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.21

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake

as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

In the above referenced scriptures, we learn that, in the Old

Testament, theSpirit of God:

Came upon the prophets that they might speak the Lords words toHis people.

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Filled particular individuals with wisdom and understanding that theymight perform skilled work in the Lords house.

Came upon certain men that they might serve God as kings andjudges over Israel.

Endued with power as with Samson.

Directed the prophecies of the Old Testament through holy men ofGod, so that such prophecies were from God, and not something

formulated by men.

Thesescriptures are typical of all other scriptures that address the work

of the HolySpirit. That is, much of the work of God with, in, and

through His people is by the agency of the Holy Spirit.This does not

ignore the ministry of angels.

Aswe move this discussion to the New Testament scriptures,we will

observe that the Holy Spirit provides the Lords people with wisdom,

understanding, and power that they might perform according to Godswill, however, there is change in methodology under new covenant

administration. The ministry of the Holy Spirit in this age is

introduced in the promise that God made to Israel of a new covenantas recorded at: Jeremiah 3131

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenantwith the

house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:32

Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took

them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake,

although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:33

But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After thosedays, saith the LORD, I will put my lawin their inward parts, and write it in their

hearts; and will be their God, and they shall bemy people.34

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother,saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the

greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember

their sin no more.

Of particular note, under the new covenant, Gods law is written in

the hearts of His people. The apostle Paul addresses thisat:2 Corinthians 3

1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of

commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to bethe epistle of Christ ministered byus,

written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but

in fleshy tables of the heart.4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:

5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our

sufficiency is of God;

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6 Who also hath made us able ministers ofthe new testament; not of the letter, but of

the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed

into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Thereare scriptures in which the coming of the Holy Spirit is promised:John 129

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God,which taketh away the sin of the world.30

This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for

he was before me.31

And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am Icome baptizing with water.32

And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove,

and it abode upon him.33

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto

me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same ishe which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.34

And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Acts 14 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not

depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have

heard of me.5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghostnot

many days hence.8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghostis come upon you: and ye shall

be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the

uttermost part of the earth.John 737

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man

thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.38

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of

living water.39

(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for

the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

John 143 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto

myself; that where I am, there ye may be also15

If ye love me, keep my commandments.16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may

abide with youfor ever;17

Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not,

neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.18

I will not leave you comfortless: Iwill come to you23

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my

Father will love him, and wewill come unto him, and make ourabode with him.

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24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not

mine, but the Father's which sent me.25

These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.26

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my

name,he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.John 1612

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.13

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for heshall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will

shew you things to come.14

He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.15

All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.16

A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me,

because I go to the Father.

Hebrews 913 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the

unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:14

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spiritoffered

himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead worksto serve the

livingGod?15

And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of

death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament,

they which are called might receive the promiseof eternal inheritance.16

For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the deathof the testator.17

For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at allwhile the testator liveth.

Some significant points from the above passages are:

As John the Baptist declares, it is through the Person and work oftheSon of Godthat baptism with the Holy Spirit is realized.

After Jesus was risen, but before He ascended to the Father, He toldthe apostles that they should wait in Jerusalemfor the promise of the

Father, for in just a few days they would bebaptized with the Holy

Spirit. With the Holy Spirit they would receive powerand be

witnessesof Him.

In chapter seven of Johns gospel, Jesus equates the ministering ofthe Holy Spirit in and through those who believe on Him to livingwaters. But, that the Holy Spirit would not be given until He had

been glorified, (ascended to the Father).

In John chapter fourteen Jesus refers to the Spirit as anotherComforter, and says, I will not leave you comfortless,Iwill come

to you. In this passage, when Jesus says that He will come, the

context shows that He is referring to the Holy Spirit. In verse 23,

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the statement thatHe and the Father will comeandmake their

abodewith those who keep His word is, again,reference to the Holy

Spirit dwelling in them. And, thatthe Holy Spirit comes inHis

nameand will teach themall things and bring to their remembrancethethings that Hehad said to them.

In chapter sixteen, Jesus says that the Spirit of truth will guidetheminto all truth. It should be noted that the Spirit will not speak

of Himself,but that the Spirit will receive of the things concerning

Christand show those things to Hisdisciples,thereby bringing

glory to Christ. Thus,the focus of the ministry of the Holy Spirit is

the Lord Jesus, in reference to His Person, His death, His

resurrection, and His position at the right hand of the Father. And,

on thisfoundation the Holy Spirits ministry is directed toward

conforming Gods people to the image of His Son-2 Co. 3:17,18.

In the new covenantthe law is written, not on tables of stone,butin our heartsby the HolySpirit.And, this new covenant was

instituted by the death of the Lord Jesus. His blood, when rightly

understood, frees our conscience from the dead worksof the Old

Testament to serve the living God. He is notworshippedthrough

ceremony, ritual, and external formalities. Now, they that worship

God worship Him in spirit and in truth-John 4:23,24.

We will continue by viewing the coming of the promised Holy Spirit

as explained in the following scriptures:Acts 21 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one

place.2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it

filled all the house where they were sitting.3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of

them.4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues,

as the Spiritgave them utterance.5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nationunder

heaven.6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were

confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all

these which speak Galilaeans?8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

11 , we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth

this?13

Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

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14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye

men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearkento my words:15

For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.16

But thisis thatwhich was spoken by the prophet Joel;17

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out ofmy Spiritupon allflesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men

shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:18

And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of mySpirit; and they shall prophesy:

1 Corinthians 1421

In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak untothis people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.22

Wherefore tongues are for a sign, notto them that believe, but to them that believe

not: but prophesying servethnotfor them that believe not, but for them which

believe.

Acts 101 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurionof the band called

the Italianband,2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to

the people, and prayed to God alway.3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming

in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said

unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee

what thou oughtest to do.7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his

household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went

up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:10

And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, hefell into a trance,11

And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a

great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:12

Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and

creeping things, and fowls of the air.13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.14

But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or

unclean.15

And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that

call not thou common.16

This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.17

Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should

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mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's

house, and stood before the gate,18

And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.19

While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek

thee.20

Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I havesent them.21

Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and

said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?22

And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of

good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to

send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.23

Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with

them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.24

And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them,

and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.25

And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, andworshipped him.26

But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.27

And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.28

And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thingfor a man that is a

Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me

that I should not call any man common or unclean.29

Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask

therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?30

And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour

I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,31

And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in

the sight of God.32

Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged

in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speakunto thee.33

Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now

therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded theeof God.34

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no

respecter of persons:35

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted

with him.36 The wordwhich God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by JesusChrist: (he is Lord of all:)43

To him give allthe prophets witness, that through his name whosoeverbelieveth in

him shall receive remission of sins.44

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them whichheard the

word.45

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with

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Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.46

For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,47

Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the

Holy Ghost as well as we?

Acts 111

And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had alsoreceived the word of God.2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision

contended with him,3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto

them, 15

And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.16

Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized

with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.17

Forasmuch then as God gave themthe like gift as he did unto us, who believed on

the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then

hath God also to the Gentilesgranted repentance unto life.

Acts 1824

And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty

in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.25

This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he

spake and taught diligentlythe things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

Acts 191 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paulhaving passed through

the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they

said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's

baptism.4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the

people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ

Jesus.5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and

they spake with tongues, and prophesied.7 And all the men were about twelve.

Again, we will consider some of the significant points related to thecoming of the Holy Spirit to dwell in the Lords people. While we have

not considered this matter, just as Jesus came to the lost sheep of the house

of Israel-Matt. 15:24, and the apostles proclaimed the gospel to the Jew

first, then to the Gentiles-Acts13:46; Ro.1:16, so also,the Holy Spirit came

to the Jews first, and then to the Gentiles.

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In the account of Peters vision at Joppa,because, as Peter stated atActs 10:28, it was unlawful for a Jew to company with anyone from

another nation, the Lord was showing Peter that He was not a

respecter of persons, and that allthat feareth Him are accepted by

God. The Lord was preparing Peter to take the gospel to theGentiles.

Those Jews who traveled with Peter from Joppa to the house ofCornelius were astonished to observe that the gift of the Holy Spirit

was poured out, also on the Gentiles. For they heard them speak

with tongues, and magnify God. While the Jews were convinced

that the Gentiles were unclean before God, their receiving of the gift

of the Holy Spirit, as evidenced by their speaking with other

tongueswas a signto the Jews that God had also accepted the

Gentiles.

In chapter nineteen of Acts the apostle Paul encountered certaindiscipleswho believed, having heard only of the baptism of John

the Baptist who was baptizing with water for repentance and

proclaiming that the One who was to come after John would

baptize them with the Holy Spirit.While these disciples believed

through Johns proclamation, they did not know that the Holy

Spirit had come on men. When Paul explained what had occurred

regarding the Holy Spirit, these disciples clearly received what Paul

had told them,and when Paul had laid hands on them the Holy Spirit

came on them, which was evidenced, in that they spoke with othertongues.

In the passage in 1 Corinthians we are told that tongues are for a signto them that do not believe. In chapter two of Acts there were devout

Jews out of every nation under heaven, who heard those on whom

the Holy Spirit had come, speak in our own tongue, wherein we

were born. Hearing these people speak in theirown languages

was a sign or evidence that the promised gift of the outpouring of

the Holy Spirit had come,as explained by the apostle Peter. And,

speaking with tongues by those Gentiles at the house of Cornelius

was a sign to those Jews who were with Peter, by which theyrealized that God had given the gift of the Holy Spirit to the

Gentiles,as previously, He did to the Jews. Also, speaking with

tongues was a sign or evidence to those disciples in Acts chapter

nineteen that the promised gift of the Holy Spirit had come.

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The passage in 1 Corinthians informs us that it was prophesied thateven though God would speak to His people (Israel) by men of other

tongues (languages), they would not hear Him. Thus, God sent

tongues for a sign to them that do not believe, while prophesying

is directed to those who do believe that they might understand thethings of God.

Just as Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, gave commandments to the

apostles-Acts 1:2, even so, the apostles with the Holy Spiritsent down

from heavenpreached the gospel-1Pet. 1:12. And further, if the ministry

of any person brings glory to the Lord, such ministering necessarily must

be initiated and directed by the Holy Spirit who distributes gifts for divine

service. This latter point is addressedat:1 Corinthians 124 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5

And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same Godwhich worketh all in

all.7 But the manifestation of the Spiritis given to every man to profit withal.

8 For to one is given by the Spiritthe word of wisdom; to another the word of

knowledge by the same Spirit;9 To another faith by the same Spirit;to another the gifts of healing by the same

Spirit;10

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of

spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:11

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man

severally as he will.12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the membersof that onebody, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.13

For by one Spiritare we all baptized into one body,whether we be Jews or

Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Whileany service that is, in fact, within the Lords will must be

according to the Spirit, it is equally important for us to realize that one

must not expand beyond the gift or office that they have received. Some

scriptures that speak to this matter are:Romans 121 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a

living sacrifice, holy, acceptableunto God, which is your reasonable service.2 And be notconformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of

your mind,that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of

God.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to

think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as

God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.4 For as we have many members in one body, and all membershave not the same

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office:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether

prophecy, let us prophesy according tothe proportion of faith;7 Or ministry, let us waiton our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

8

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; hethat ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

1 Peter 410

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the sameone to another, asgood stewards of the manifold grace of God.11

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do

it as of the ability which God giveth:that God in all things may be glorified throughJesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Thepassage in chapter twelve of Romans is informing us that our

capacity to discernthe gift,with which we have been endowed for service

by the Spirit, rests onknowing the will of God. And, that God makes His

will known to those who present themselves in a sacrificial manner toHim. We are cautioned to not overvalueourselves, but be of sound mind,

and careful to observe our duty (be faithful) to stay within the function

that has been granted to us.Further, the passage in 1 Peter is admonishing

us to be faithful to what the Lord has given us for service, that He might be

glorified.

A significant pointin the above three scriptures that can be missed is

that much of the Lords work can be accomplished in a manner that

honors Himonly by His children who have grown to the point that the

Holy Spirit can determine things with them, and thus, differentiate as togifts. We cannot all minister any service. When we are baptized by one

Spirit into one body,and have been made to drink into one Spirit, we

have onlybegun in the Spirit-Gal. 3:3. Because the Spirit governs

everything ofeternal value, we must learn to walk, notafter the flesh, but

after the Spirit-Ro.8:4.

The foundational work of the Holy Spirit is to bring Gods children

out from under the servitude of sin. This work of the Spirit begins with

bringing us to the Lord Jesus. Some scriptures that address this matter

are:

John 644

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will

raise him up at the last day.

2 Thessalonians 213

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord,because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvationthroughsanctification of

the Spiritand belief of the truth:

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14 Whereuntohe called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord

Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 12 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of

theSpirit, unto obedienceand sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto

you, and peace, be multiplied.Romans 1013

For whosoevershall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.14

How then shall they callon him in whom they have not believed? and how shall theybelievein him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hearwithout a

preacher?15

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful arethe feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!16

But they have not all obeyedthe gospel.For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed

our report?17

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

In these scriptures we learn that: The Father draws us to His Son. Such drawing is through the sanctifying work of the Spirit. The Spirits sanctifying work brings us to knowledge of truth by

means of the word of God.

While not all who hear the word of God come to obedience andbelief of the truth, the benefit of Christs blood is realized by

those who do. (In the passages in 1 Peter and 2 Thessalonians the

respective words, obedience and belief are used as having

equivalent meaning. Also, at Ro.10:16 the words obeyed and

believed are correlative in that the one implies the existence of the

other).

While the preacher and the word of God are instrumental in the

process, it is the Holy Spirit that enlightens the understanding that one

might believe, upon hearing Gods word. This is the first step in

departing from sin, as expressed by Jesus at:John 830

As he spake these words, many believed on him.31

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word,

then are ye my disciples indeed;32 And ye shallknow the truth,and the truth shall make youfree.33

They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondageto any man:

how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?34

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sinis the

servant of sin.

When we come to Christ, after a period of time (it will vary with

individuals), we will be confronted withour inability to performin

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accordance with that which we understand to bethe will of God. We find

thatthere is something withinthat prevails against that which we know we

should or should not do. That something is sin, as Jesus forewarned

those who believedon Him. However, He also told themthatif they would

continue in His word, they would know the truth, and thatthe truth would

make them free.

Some scriptures that address this issue of bondage and of freedom

are:Romans 61 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin,that grace may abound?

2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into

his death?4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like asChrist was

raised up from the deadby the glory of the Father, even so we alsoshould walk in

newness of life.5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in

the likeness of his resurrection:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, thatthe body of sin might be

destroyed, thathenceforth we should not serve sin.7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

12 Let not sintherefore reignin your mortal body, that ye should obey itin the lusts

thereof.13

Neither yieldye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield

yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as

instruments of righteousness unto God.14

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, butunder grace.15

What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God

forbid.

16 Know ye not, that to whomye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servantsye are

to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

The above scripture is clear testimony thatthe Father has made

adequate provisionfor His childrento live free from sin. In this provision

His peopleparticipate inChristsdeath,and inHis resurrection. On this

basis we are said to bedead to sinandalive to God. Also, we are toldto not

yield to sin, but rather,yield to God. Forto whom we yield ourselves, weare his servants.Questionwhat does it mean to be buried with him by baptism into

death?

Question---how does walking in newness of life relate to Jesus being raised

from the dead?

Question---how does a person yield to God?

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Theexperience that is explained in the seventh chapter of the epistle

to the Romans attends the absence of answers to the above questions. In

this regard, we readat:Romans 76 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that

we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but

bythe law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.8 But sin,taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of

concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin

revived, and I died.10

And the commandment, which wasordained to life, I found to be unto death.11

For sin,taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.12

Wherefore the law is holy,and the commandment holy, and just, and good.13

Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it

might appear sin,working death in me by that which is good; that sinby thecommandmentmight become exceeding sinful.14

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.15

For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate,

that do I.16

If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.17

Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.18

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to willis

present with me; but how to performthat which is good I find not.19

For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.20

Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.22

For I delight in the law of Godafter the inward man:23

But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, andbringing me into captivityto the law of sin which is in my members.24

O wretched manthat I am! who shall deliverme from the body of this death?25

I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself servethe law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

This passage describes the learning processandthe experiencethat

inevitably engages the Lords children soon after they come to the Lord

Jesus. As we work through this time, we discover that the knowledge that

we receive through the law (the law makes sin knownv7) exposes allmanner of concupiscence. That is to say, that asour knowledge, through

the law, increases we recognize many desires and interests working in us

that are contrary to the law. For without the law sin was dead-v8, and I

was alive-v9. Apart from what the law makes known, we are unaware of

our sin and live comfortably with ourselves. However, when Gods

childrenbecome knowledgeableof the laws testimony, they recognize the

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compellingdemands of sin within, and because of a sensitive conscience

they experiencedeath(condemnation)-v9. Prior to our trying, and failing

we expect that if we know what God requires, we can do it-v10.

While this can be a difficult time for a child of God, if he or she will

be steadfasttoward the Lord the Holy Spirit, who enlightens and

strengthens,will grant the child to progressivelyunderstand how to live

free from sin. Through this learning processone comes to know that the

problem is indwelling sin, and not the law-vs11--14. Further, that the

hindranceis notthat I sin by choice, but rather, in me (that is, in my

flesh,)dwelleth no good thing. So while I delight in the right things

about which the law speaks, the demands of sinworking in me prevail

against my effortto not sin, therefore I am faced with the questionof how

to performaccording to that which Iknow to be right-vs18--23. When we

find the answer to this question, we will thank God through Jesus Christ

our Lord-vs 24,25.In chapter six of Pauls epistle to the Romans, he explains our

relationship to the death andresurrectionof the Lord Jesus, and that we

participatein this divine provision of the work of Christ, by yielding to

God. In chapter sevenPaul describes the learningprocess and

accompanying experiencethat confronts each of Gods childrenwho have

not yet realized: 1)The function of the law, which is to make sin known to

us; 2)That our inward propensity to sinsuccessfully resists our unassisted

effort to walk according to the truth; 3)That the strength to performthe

demands of the law, with which we agree to be right, is only by the power

of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

In Romans chapter eight Paul explains the divine provision of the

Holy Spirit to free us from the desires of the flesh and of the mind- Eph.

2:3, that we might perform according to the will of God.Romans 81 There is therefore now no condemnationto them which are in Christ Jesus, who

walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.2 For the law ofthe Spirit of lifein Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin

and death.3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending

his own Son in the likenessof sinful flesh, and for sin, condemnedsin in the flesh:4 Thatthe righteousness of the lawmight be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the

flesh, but after the Spirit.5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after

the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God,

neither indeed can be.

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8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.10

And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because

of righteousness.11

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he thatraised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spiritthat

dwelleth in you.12

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.13

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spiritdo mortify the

deeds of the body, ye shall live.14

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.15

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the

Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.16

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:17

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, andjoint-heirs with Christ; if so bethat we

suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.While this passage of scripture frames the discussion of the work of the

Spirit in terms of walking, not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, to so

walk is a learning process. It is important to understand that we, both, can

and mustpatiently, but diligently pursue it. Some of the significant points

that we will consider in this passage are:

The condemnationthat one experiences (O wretched man that I am, whoshall deliver me from the body of this death?-Ro.7:24) because of inability

to performaccording to knowledge is removedwhen we are

empowered by theSpiritto reject the demands of the flesh that work

in us. (There are some who view the condemnation in v1 asreferring to judgment and punishment when the Lord returns, and to

avoid conflict with their form of doctrine related to eternal security,

contend that the best manuscripts do not contain in v1 the phrase

who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit). However, the

context of the discussion in chapters seven and eight does not refer

to the Lords return, but rather, to the experience of death or

wretchednesscaused by ones notknowinghow to perform that

which is good-7:18. Chapter eight is explaining that living by the

Spiritwho gives life, freesone from living under the power ofsinwhich produces death-v2. Death refers to the sense of guilt and

condemnationwhich istheresult of the good that Iwould, Ido not:

but the evil which I would not, that do I. Thus, the explanation,

There is therefore nowno condemnation to them which are in Christ

Jesus, would be meaningless without the phrase, who walk not

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after the flesh, but after the Spirit. In v1 the word therefore

relates the text that follows to the text that preceded it.

Verse 3 is informing us that the law is powerless to produce therighteousnessthat it makes known to us, because we are weak when

trying to perform uprightly by the strength that we haveaccording to the flesh. Because of this weakness, the Father sent His

Son, in the likeness of sinful flesh, and by Jesus death, He

condemned sin in the flesh. We must understand that any and all

of ones behaviorin thought, word, and deed brought forth by the

flesh is under condemnationby God. However, thedeathof Jesus

has also removed the barrier of sinthat separates man from God.

Therefore, onthe basis of faith, one can accessthe divine provision

for life and living in Christ, which isbywalking according to the

Spirit. Walking according to the Spirit is necessarily attended by

rejection of thedesires of sin that are in the flesh. Such acceptanceand rejection is the meaning of present your bodies a living sacrifice

holy, acceptable unto God-Ro.12:1.

The apostle Paul identifies the workings of the flesh, and also, thefruit of theSpiritat: Galatians 519Now the works of the fleshare evident, which are: adultery,

[1]

fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,20

idolatry, sorcery, hatred,

contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions,

dissensions, heresies,21

envy, murders,[2]

drunkenness, revelries, and

the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in timepast, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom

of God.22

But the fruit of the Spiritis love, joy, peace, longsuffering,

kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23

gentleness, self-control. Against

such there is no law. (NKJV)

When a person is dominated by the flesh, he or she will be mentallyoccupiedwithat least some of the workings of the flesh, which

defiles ones spirit, and thereby obscures the life and lightthat is by

the Spirits ministry within. However, when one is living in salvation

(free) from sin, by the empowerment of the Spirit, he or she can andwill attend onthe things that are from the life giving Spirit-Ro.

8:5,6.

When we come to Christ,we have life in the Spirit, who is righteous,

but our body being laden with sin makes demands that conflict with our life

in the Spirit. Because the Spirit that dwells in us raised Christ from the

dead,and willdeliver usfrom the sinful deeds of the body, we are not

18
http://bible.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/#footnote_68288699_1http://bible.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/#footnote_68288699_2http://bible.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/#footnote_68288699_2http://bible.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/#footnote_68288699_1


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obligated nor do we needbe bound to live after the flesh-Ro. 8:11-13. As

we have read at Ro. 6:14, For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye

are not under law, but under grace. Thus, in Christ, we are not left under

the impotence of the law whichwas weak through the flesh-Ro. 8:3,but

rather, we are indwelt andcan be empoweredby the Spirit of gracethat

raised up Jesus from the dead. This is the answer to the questions on

page fourteen of this consideration. When we in actuality turn from the

demands of sin to the Holy Spirit (Christ in us)to be made free from sins

bondage, we then have discovered how to perform that which isgood-Ro. 7:18. It is important to know that we cannot walk uprightly beyond the

measure of our salvation from sins power, which salvation is by the

enabling of theSpirit of grace. And,our access tothe Spirit of grace is

throughfaith.

Chapters six, seven, and eight of Pauls epistle to the Romans assists

in understanding the following scripture in Pauls epistle to theGalatians:Galatians 516

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.17

For the

flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to oneanother, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

18But if you are led by the

Spirit, you are not under the law.22

But the fruit of the Spiritis love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness,faithfulness,

23gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

24And those who are

Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.25

If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit. (NKJV)

While theceremony and ritual with all of the externalism and formprescribed by thelawin the Old Testament is abolished in Christ-2 Corinth.

3:13, therighteousness that the lawproclaimsisfulfilled in usby our

walking after the Spirit-Ro. 8:4. However, the lawwith its righteous

demands condemns the way of the flesh. Even in Gods children, sin is

the transgression of the law-1 Jon. 3:4. When walking according to the

Spirit, the righteousness of the law beingfulfilled in us, we arenot in

transgression of it. Therefore, we are not under the law,but under grace.

There isno law against the way of the Spirit-Gal 5:22,23. (There is a

theological system of thought that holds that the law has no application to achild of God, however, the clear testimony of scripture is that the law

condemns Gods children who willingly walk according to the flesh).

The blood of the Lord Jesus does not cleanse the flesh, but, as we have

read, Hisdeath condemns sin in the flesh-Ro. 8:3. The testimony of

scriptureis that the bloodof Christ cleansesus from all sin, if we walk in

the light-1 Jon. 1:7. If when we sin, we say that we have not sinned, we

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are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Thus, the blood of the

Lord Jesus does not serve to cleanse us if we deny our sin. However, if

when we sin, we confess it, God is faithful and just to forgiveus our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness-1 Jon. 1:8,9. We are told that

these thingsare written to usthat we do not sin. But, if when we sin, we

acknowledge our sin to God, then through Jesus Christwho is our

advocate and expiatory sacrifice, we will have mercy for forgiveness-1 Jon.

2:1,2.

It is important to recognize, both, the difference and the functional

relationship between liberty and obedience. The essence of

liberty is freedom, while theessence of obedience is compliance.

Liberty is freedom, to notpursue the interests and desires of the flesh-Gal.

5:13, but by the enlightenment and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, to

do the will of God. Obedienceis walking in compliance withthelight

that the Holy Spiritgrants us concerning the Lords will. Thefruit ofsuchliberty andobedience is expressed atGalatians 5:22,23---But the fruit of

the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. The

meansand the end resultof this process is expressed at 1Peter1:22

Seeing ye have purifiedyour souls in obeyingthe truth throughthe Spirit

unto unfeigned loveof the brethren, see that ye loveone another with a pure

heartfervently Also, 1 Timothy 1:5shows usthe inward state wherein

love flourishes: Now the endof the commandment is charity out ofa pure

heart, and of a good conscience, and offaith unfeigned. This is the end

for which the Spirit ministers to fulfill the righteousness of the law in us.

The goal of the Holy Spirits ministry is expressedat:2 Corinthians 317Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

18But weall, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being

transformed into the same imagefrom glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

This transforming work of the Holy Spiritshould be our personal goal,

and the objectiveof each person who ministers in the name of Christ.

Edifying ministryserves to the end of reconstitutingthe Lords people in

accordance with divine principles, which is Christ being formed inthem-

Gal. 4:19, on the basis of inner spiritual life. This work of the Holy Spirit

is graceand is wrought in the child of God through his or her inward

attitude ofunwavering devotionand commitment to Him. Thisinward

posturetoward God isfaith, which is our accessto the Spirit of grace-Ro.

5:1,2. (In the matter of wavering or double mindedness between the

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interests of the flesh and the way of the Spirit, James says: let not that man

think he shall receive anything of the Lord-James 1:5-8).

Documents

Work of the Holy Spirit